By Ernest Nutsugah

Accra, Jan. 16, GNA – The 76th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) has strongly recommended the election of Metropolitan Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCES) along partisan political lines.  

The participants called for the support of the election of MMDCES and the inclusion of political parties and independent candidates in local government. 

The election of MMDCES is one of the 15-point recommendations issued at the end of the three-day session held at the University of Ghana, Legon. 

 “It would be beneficial for the government to consider constitutional amendments that allow for the election of political parties and independent candidates in local government, given the challenges of the past 32 years.  

“This would promote a multi-party democracy, enhance district development, and encourage broader citizen participation.” Dr. Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto, Director, 76th Annual New Year School & Conference, stated. 

Apart from strengthening grassroots democracy, the Conference called for women empowerment at the local level and the enforcement of spatial planning laws by MMDAs to ensure that “development projects comply with land use and building standards.” 

Topics discussed at the 76th ANYSC included: “harnessing technology to empower the future generation, protecting the natural and built environment, leveraging financial technologies for prosperity. 

Others were: “promoting peacebuilding and democratic governance, exploring partnerships and facilitating cross-border trade through digital commerce.” 

The ANYSC Communiqué further called for the decentralisation of regulatory bodies such as the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), adding that “trade standards should be included in educational curricula to enhance regional competitiveness.” 

It also urged telecommunication service providers to train farmers and sellers on digital commerce platforms to enable them “promote Ghanaian brands globally.” 

On digital technologies, the Conference proposed that customers of financial technology services should “receive clear information about withdrawal limits and the steps to increase them” to enable them to manage their accounts effectively. 

To increase transparency and accountability, participants suggested that digital platforms backed by the government should be “engineered to enhance citizen participation in programmes and policies, to allow them to provide feedback.”  

“To protect government data and systems, data must be encrypted, and individuals accessing the data should be vetted, cybersecurity threats should be monitored, and an audit trail of users kept,” it added. 

Some 500 physical and virtual guests attended the 76th ANYSC themed: “Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership”. 

Mr Mohammed Ishaku, and James Adaboh, Assembly Members of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, said they will implement the valuable insights gained from the session. 

“From here, I will champion the election of MMDCEs, we will educate citizens in our locality to support the agenda because if we elect them, it will enhance development in the various Assemblies.” Mr Adaboh stated. 

Mr Ishaku added: “The presentations were educative and if the government implements the recommendations in the communiqué, it will go a long way to deepen governance and accountability, especially at the local level. 

GNA 

By Philip Tengzu

Sankana, (UW/R), Jan. 16, GNA – The Sankana Traditional Council in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, has eulogised Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on her historic ascension to the second highest office of the country as its first female Vice President.  

The Council said that achievement reflected her distinguished leadership, unwavering dedication to public service, and lifelong commitment to education and national development.  

“It is a testament to the progress Ghana continues to make in promoting gender inclusivity and empowering women to contribute meaningfully to governance and national transformation,” the Council added. 

Naa Pagraninge Sakoe Mornah III, the President of the Sankana Traditional Council, said this in an address read on his behalf at a press conference held in Sankana. 

He also congratulated President John Dramani and Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin for ascending to the highest offices of the country. 

Mr Eric Dakurah, the Secretary to Sankana Naa, Naa Mornah III, addressed the press on behalf of the traditional council.  

Mr Dakurah explained that the Vice President, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who had been bestowed with a chieftaincy title, Pognaa Piirima Maaluuma of the Sankana Traditional Area, had exhibited a dedicated commitment to the development of the traditional area over the years.  

He said Pognaa Piirima Maaluuma, among other things, facilitated the construction of a daycare school in Sankana and the fencing of the Sankana cluster of schools during her tenure as the Education Minister in President Mahama’s first term from 2013 to 2016.  

He added that Pognaa Piirima Maaluuma also exposed the Sankana community to the international community through research she conducted in the community with her “white friends.”  

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, Piirima Maaloma, was enskinned a Queenmother within the Sankana Traditional Council in June 2024.  

Her title is associated with rocks and water, symbolising resilience, purity, and progress.  

“The significance of the rocks in your political journey and the cleansing power of the water remains a profound metaphor for the strength and integrity that continues to define your path,” Naa Mornah explained. 

The Council assured the Vice President of their unwavering support and prayers for a successful tenure. 

It expressed confidence that her leadership would further Ghana’s development agenda to ensure equity, progress, and prosperity for all citizens.  

The traditional council presented citations to the Vice President, Pognaa Piirima Maaluuma, and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Bagbin in recognition of their unwavering dedication to the development of Ghana. 

It also announced that it would confer a chieftaincy title on Speaker Bagbin to signify the pride of the traditional Council in him.  

The Sankana Traditional Council also prayed for the President, Vice President, Speaker, and Members of Parliament for a successful tenure.  

GNA 

The nomination of former Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, as the Minister for Education, has sparked mixed reactions among residents of his constituency in the Northern region.

While some believe he would have been better suited for the Finance Ministry due to his experience and the country’s current economic challenges, others feel he would have excelled at the Roads and Highways or Defence Ministry.

However, many residents have expressed satisfaction with his nomination to the Education Ministry.

Speaking to JoyNews‘ correspondent Martina Bugri, a resident, despite his affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), voiced disappointment with the portfolio assigned to Mr Iddrisu.

“Nitiwul was appointed Defence Minister and he brought many Konkombas into the military. If Lawyer Haruna had gone there, he could have also facilitated the inclusion of Northerners from Gonjaland, Mamprugu, Dagombas, and Nanumbas into the army. I must say we are not happy with what he has been given,” the resident remarked.

Another resident, while acknowledging the importance of the Education Ministry, expressed a preference for Mr Iddrisu as Finance Minister, given the pressing need for competent leadership to address the country’s economic challenges.

The Tamale South Constituency Secretary of the NDC, Seidu Abass Alhassan, described the appointment as a source of immense joy for the constituency.

“When the news of Haurna Iddrisus’ appointment broke, a whole lot of people called me to find out how we felt about his appointment.

“I told them that Tamale South constituency is the happiest constituency under the sun today because Hon. Haruna Iddrisu is a distinguished politician, a politician who has excelled in so many ministries in this country,” he stated.

He praised President John Dramani Mahama for reposing confidence in Mr Iddrisu, adding, “We the people of Tamale South Constituency are extremely happy and wish to express our profound gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in our Hon. Member for Tamale South Constituency.”

On his part, the Tamale South Constituency Communication Officer of the NDC, Issak Abdul Fatau, echoed similar sentiments, celebrating the announcement as a reflection of Mr Iddrisu’s competence and dedication.

“We indeed are very grateful. The announcement came to us at a time we anticipated it. We knew very well that Haruna Iddrisu was a man of wisdom and a man of accolades. He has served the country and the NDC so much that everybody was waiting to hear his nomination.

“We thank the President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for nominating Haruna Iddrisu for the Ministry of Education. Hon. Haruna has served the country in a number of ministries where he has chalked numerous successes…. So I believe going forward, the Education Ministry is going to see a new facelift under the stewardship of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu,” he said.

Residents and constituency leaders remain hopeful that Haruna Iddrisu’s tenure will bring transformative leadership to the Education Ministry and tackle the challenges confronting the sector.

Mr Iddrisu, a leading political figure in the NDC from the north, has served in the Communication Ministry, Trade and Industry Ministry and as Minister of Employment and Labour Relations in past NDC administrations.

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The Accra Circuit Court Nine has granted a GH¢5 million bail with four sureties to Benjamin Appiah Boateng, a forex trader, who faces charges of fraud and theft.

The court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, also ordered that one of the sureties be justified and that Boateng deposit his travel documents with the court’s registry.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on February 5, 2025.

Boateng is accused of defrauding two individuals, Mr. Berry Kwadwo Agyapong and Mr. David Burke, of $300,000 and GH¢10,445,000 respectively through fraudulent online investments in UDST and Binance cryptocurrency platforms.

Police Chief Inspector Jonas Lawyer told the court that Boateng took the money from the two complainants under the pretense of investing it in the online platforms.

Agyapong, a business consultant, had already invested $300,000 before introducing Boateng to Burke, a businessman.

Burke, convinced by Agyapong’s endorsement, invested GH¢555,000 initially and later added GH¢9,890,000 to increase his investment.

Boateng assured both complainants that the investments were performing well, with dividends being paid.

However, when Burke requested to withdraw his investment and any dividends on December 14, 2024, Boateng stopped responding to calls.

Burke then contacted Agyapong, who also tried reaching Boateng.

In response, Boateng allegedly sent a WhatsApp voice note and a supposed suicide note, claiming that he had lost all the investments through online gambling on the platform “Stake.”

This prompted the complainants to report the matter to the police, leading to Boateng’s arrest.

He admitted to the offenses during questioning.

Source: GNA

Eric Opoku has been named Minister of Food and Agriculture-designate

In the latest list of ministerial nominees presented by President John Dramani Mahama to Parliament for consideration, is Eric Opoku, as Minister of Food and Agriculture-designate.

The Member of Parliament of Asunafo South will lead the ministry should he be vetted and approved by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.

But what more do we know about the new nominee for the food and agriculture sector?

Here is a brief profile on him:

Eric Opoku is a seasoned politician with expertise in law, agriculture, and leadership. With over 12 years of parliamentary experience, he has risen from the backbenches to become the Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Law from KNUST and an LLM (Distinction) in International Business Law from the University of Essex, UK. He has also earned certifications in International Legislative Drafting and Fisheries Management from the United States.

Eric Opoku is a Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament representing the Asunafo South Constituency in the Brong-Ahafo Region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Eric Opoku was born on 5 June 1970. He hails from a town called Sankore in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. He had his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in year 2004.

Career

Opoku is a farmer/ agriculturist. Prior to his appointment into parliament, he worked as a teacher with the Ghana Education Service at SDA Primary School in Sankore, from 1997 to 2000. He has also worked with Kuapa Kookoo Ltd as the Society Development Secretary from 1998 to 2001.

Political career

Opoku was first elected into parliament in the 3rd parliament of the 4th republic of Ghana as the member of parliament for the Asunafo South constituency in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana.

Though he lost his seat in the subsequent election, he was elected again into parliament on 7 January 2013 after claiming victory at the 2012 Ghanaian General Elections to represent the Asunafo South constituency and served until 6 January 2017.

He was then reelected on 7 January 2017 after the 2016 Ghanaian General Elections where he obtained 52.97% of the valid votes cast.

He has worked as the Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Minister from 2009 to 2013. In the 7th parliament of the 4th republic of Ghana he served on the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee as a ranking Member.

He also served on the Privileges Committee and Appointments Committee in the same parliament.

Opoku received an award as the best member of parliament for communal and rural development for 2017 from the Bureau of Research on Governance, Commerce and Administration (BORGCA). This award was given for his contribution to developmental projects in the Asunafo South constituency.

Elections

Opoku was elected as the member of parliament for the Asunafo South constituency of the Brong Ahafo region in the 2004 Ghanaian general elections. He won on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress. His constituency was a part of the 10 parliamentary seats out of a total 24 seats won by the National Democratic Congress in that election for the Brong Ahafo Region.

The Asunafo South constituency saw a ‘skirt and blouse’ voting by electorates in that election as the presidential candidate elected by the constituency electorates was John Kufour of the major opposition New Patriotic Party.

The National Democratic Congress won a minority total of 94 parliamentary seats out of 230seats in that elections. Opoku was elected with 14,076votes out of 29,345total valid votes cast, equivalent to 48% of total valid votes cast.

He was elected over George William Amponsah of the New Patriotic Party, Jack Kennedy Brobbey an independent candidate and Fredrick Nkrumah of the Convention People’s Party. These obtained 43.80% , 7.30% and 0.90% respectively of total valid votes cast.

Opoku was re-elected in the 2020 Parliamentary election to represent them in the 8th Parliament of the fourth Republic of Ghana. He again won the seat in the 2024 Election.

Meanwhile, watch as Archbishop Duncan-Williams calls for justice, says it’s the pillar of national peace and stability

AE

Addressing the fundamental issues facing Africa can often be straightforward if we choose to act. Yet, both citizens and leaders tend to overlook these solutions or resort to complex measures, such as turning to the World Bank, IMF, or foreign consultants, which often come with stringent conditions.

Here, I would like to share my thoughts on one issue that we can easily resolve: saving our dying textile industry.

For the past thirty years, I have read annual reports detailing the difficulties faced by the textile industry in Ghana, resulting in some companies shutting down or repeatedly laying off workers.

Currently, I seldom hear about prominent Ghanaian fashion brands or designers like MKOG, PKOG, Kofi Ansah, Candling, and others.

Despite this significant challenge within the textile sector, most citizens wear foreign fabrics and styles. Many white-collar workers don foreign clothing as their official dress code from Monday to Thursday, while our textile industries struggle to become profitable or even break even.

I believe the President can use his esteemed office and charisma to address this enormous issue with a simple Executive Order:

— All government workers should wear African print or dress to work from Monday to Friday.

Or…

— All government workers who receive special clothing allowances must wear African attire to the office.

It doesn’t make economic sense for the government to pay clothing allowances to workers to buy and wear foreign fashion brands for those foreign textile industries to flourish, while Ghanaian ones suffer.

Does the government need to meet with the World Bank on such a directive? No! Can the World Bank prevent this directive? No! Can the IMF pressure the President of Ghana to rescind this directive? Absolutely not!

This initiative could create more jobs and revenue for tailors, fashion designers, fashion schools, textile companies or factories, generate tax revenue for the government in the form of corporate tax and PAYE. It could also provide foreign exchange for exporters of African wear, leading to remarkable positive balance of trade and GDP growth.

Given our democratic system, I anticipate potential human rights concerns or protests against this proposal. However, we must be willing to support our leaders and make sacrifices as citizens to address our collective socio-economic challenges.

In my own small way, I sport more African wear and would wholeheartedly embrace the idea of the President directing all government workers to wear African dress from Monday to Friday. If many will not support it, then let’s continue to wallow in the quagmire and stop crying for economic freedom.

Finally, I acknowledge that my proposal is not exhaustive. You’re free to add or subtract as you deem fit.

Until then… Motwum!

Source: Osarfo Anthony (Entertainment journalist, Horror Screenwriter, Judge – US Presidential Service Center International Film Festival)

By Priscilla Oye Ofori

Accra, Jan 16, — President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Krowor, as the Minister designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection. 

Dr Lartey is a Ghanaian politician, academic, a legislator, a women’s right activist, a local government practitioner, and a development practitioner born on April 16, 1976, in Nungua (Krowor) her hometown. 

She began her political career in 2000 and in 2011 became the first female Presiding Member of the then Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA), a position she held until 2013.  

The MP contested in the 2016 General Election on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) but lost to Elizabeth Afoley Quaye of the New Patriotic Party. 

Undeterred, she contested again in the 2020 General Election and won by 41,850 votes, representing 55.80 per cent of the total votes cast. 

Dr Lartey is the first female to be elected as an MP for Krowor on the ticket of the NDC and has served the Constituency since 2021. 

Her vision is to create empowered communities where individuals can contribute to the development and growth of Krowor. 

As an MP, she has implemented various projects, including Providing financial assistance to small enterprises and entrepreneurs in her constituency, organising skills training programmes for unemployed youth, among others. 

Dr Lartey is a strong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, and her work reflects her commitment to creating positive change in her community. 

The MP completed her Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates at Nungua Secondary School and West Africa Secondary School, respectively.  

Dr Lartey pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management at Central University, obtained her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development at the University of Cape Coast, Master of Philosophy Degree (MPhil) in Leadership at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. 

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon.  

For over two decades, the MP  has served with national and international organisations in various capacities and at different levels, including but not limited to her previous roles as: an ECOWAS In-Country Expert on the Children on the Street Project in 2017, Executive Director, “Global Initiative on Rights and Development” (GIRD), Accra. 

The rest are, a Consultant-Facilitator for the “Natural Resources and Environmental Governance” (NREG) Mission in Ghana (hosted by the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana), Accra, Research/Organisational Support for the “Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa” (LAWA) – Ghana. 

Project Coordinator, “The Ark Foundation” (REAP-Rights, Empowerment, Access, and Participation- under the DFID funded Rights and Voice Initiative Programme) Project, Accra and Eastern Regions, Administrative/Projects Support Officer, Concern Universal. 

Dr Lartey was also elected in 2011 as the second Vice President of the “National Association of Local Authority (NALAG), which is the mouthpiece of all Local Authorities in Ghana and later became its General Secretary in 2013, the first female to occupy that high office. 

She has been a member of several progressive groups, including Member of the Steering Committee, Women’s Manifesto Coalition (WMC) of Ghana, Member of Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT),  Women’s Law and Human Rights Institute (WLHRI), National Coalition on Domestic Violence (NCDV) and a partner, ABANTU for Development. 

The MP in 2021, she won the Ambassador for Peace Award by the Universal Peace Federation – Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) and was also one of the five recipients of the “Most Inspiring Woman in Politics”, at the “Ghana Most Inspiring Women’s Awards, 2019”.  

Dr Lartey was inducted into the Nobles International Hall of Fame in 2015 upon winning the Nobles International Award. 

GNA 

PURC urges utility companies to provide quality services

The Bono East Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has urged utility companies in the region to improve the quality of service they deliver to consumers.

A total of four hundred and fifty-two (452) complaints were lodged against the utilities by consumers in the year 2024 out of which four hundred and forty-six (446) were amicably resolved representing a 98.67% resolution rate.

The majority of these complaints were against the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) whilst complaints by utilities against consumers came second.

Ninety-one (91) complaints representing 20.13% were lodged against consumers in the region.

According to the Bono East Reginal Manager, Mr. Cassiel Eghan Asiedu, quality of service complaints such as pole faults, cable issues, power outages, phase-offs and voltage fluctuations, recorded the highest numbers i.e., two hundred and thirteen (213) representing 61.20% of the total complaints lodged against NEDCo.

This was followed by billing complaints with one hundred and two (102) representing 29.31%.

He indicated that a major source through which consumers lodged complaints with the office was through electronic media especially the various WhatsApp platforms created by the office to interact with its stakeholders.

Mr. Cassiel Eghan Asiedu, speaking on the 2024 annual report to stakeholders in the region, gave the assurance that the Commission will continue to protect the interests of all stakeholders.

He emphasised the need to ensure that all stakeholders play their part to ensure reliable and high-quality service delivery in the region.

“The opening of the Regional Office was strategic to address regulatory issues and bring the services of the Commission close to stakeholders,” he said.

He urged for more collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure quality service delivery and satisfactory customer service.

Mr. Asiedu, hinted at more strategic public education activities and other initiatives aimed at putting all stakeholders on the same path in ensuring transparency and trust.

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Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has donated 250 packets of roofing sheets totaling 5,000 pieces, along with ridge caps to help traders affected by the recent fire at Kantamanto Market rebuild their businesses.

The donation was presented on his behalf by former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover and his team.

Earlier, Dr. Bawumia had contributed GH¢200,000 to assist the traders in their recovery efforts.

Speaking to Citi News, Titus Glover emphasised the need for traders to secure insurance to protect against future disasters.

He also announced that Dr. Bawumia would provide CCTV cameras to enhance security once the market reconstruction is complete.

“I want to remind the traders of what His Excellency the Vice President said during his visit—that they should take insurance very seriously. As these infernos have become frequent, it is crucial they secure insurance coverage for their activities here. Security is also paramount.

“There is a need for the traders to establish their internal security arrangements. He promised that when the reconstruction is done, he will support them with CCTV cameras—‘the silent police’—to monitor activities in the market,” Glover stated.

Yaw Sarpong, Financial Secretary of the Kantamanto Market, expressed gratitude for the generous donation of 250 packets of roofing sheets and other forms of support.

“He came here and presented an amount of GH¢200,000 to us, which was very generous. We thought he would not come again, but fortunately, he has returned with 250 packets of iron sheets, which are more than sufficient to roof our structure. We thank him so much”.

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